Report: Joe Stevenson could fight for title - Fight Forum - MMA - UFC - Boxing - K1

Dr.Chicago · 08-09-2007, 10:22 AM

Quote:

Report: Joe Stevenson could fight for title with a win at UFC 74

August 9th, 2007

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With a win over Kurt Pellegrino at UFC 74: “Respect” on August 25, season two welterweight winner of The Ultimate Fighter (TUF), Joe Stevenson, could find himself fighting BJ Penn for the vacant 155-pound title later this year, according to a recent Yahoo!Sports article.

Of course, Sean Sherk would have to be stripped of his belt for the scenario to pan out. And that matter won’t be resolved until sometime in October at the earliest when Sherk appeals his suspension for using illegal steroids at UFC 73 before the California State Athletic Commission (CSAS).

Nonetheless, this report sheds some insight on what might happen if the findings on Sherk are upheld.

Here’s a snip mash:

“UFC President Dana White may have to find someone to fight B.J. Penn for the vacant lightweight title if Sherk is stripped…. White said he hadn’t made up his mind what to do because he said he believes Sherk’s denials, but he said if Sherk is suspended by the commission, he would probably strip him of the belt … [he] concedes that Stevenson may get a shot at the UFC lightweight championship later this year pending the resolution of a steroids complaint filed against champion Sean Sherk by the California Athletic Commission.”

While not set in stone, the recent developments in the division have raised the stakes significantly for Stevenson — beat “Batman” and he’s (possibly) fast tracked himself to a title shot against the Hawaiian.

Here’s a snip from “Daddy:”

“The motivating thing for me is, pushing myself to be better every day knowing that I’m getting near that (title shot) and that it’s becoming more and more of a reality for me. Now is the time more than ever I can’t afford a slip. I totally understand that. Sometimes, when you have a bad fight or whatever, you say to yourself, ‘Well, there’s another time.’ But I can’t afford right now to think that way. I have to be on top of it. I have to be impressive in everything I do now, because I know my chance might depend upon it.”

The 155-pound title fight was booked for UFC 78 on November 17 from the Prudential Arena in Newark, N.J. It’s unclear at this time whether or not that remains the case with Sherk’s appeal just one month beforehand.

I like Joe Daddy.. He's an exciting fighter..

But if they strip Sherk from his title.. I really wanna see a Mini PrideGP-style tournament..

UFC LW has enough great fighters for them to do it

Mulla · 08-09-2007, 10:39 AM

I cant see them having a tournament after what happened with the last LW tourney!

LinvilleGorge · 08-09-2007, 10:45 AM

Yeah, Dana has pretty much said that he'll never do a tourney for a belt again.

I'd really like for Joe to get the nod. I enjoy watching him fight and he seems like an all around good guy. I really respected him for the way he handled the situation with Melvin Guillard when he beat him quickly after all the trash and disrespect from Guillard. Joe was still respectful and came across as a stand up guy.

I don't know if he can beat Penn, but I'd like for him to get a chance.

bayouboy · 08-09-2007, 11:04 AM

If Sherk's belt is taken away I think these two (Penn and Stevenson) would be the right choice.

Rocky12233 · 08-09-2007, 11:24 AM

I hope this is what happens. Stevenson is one of my favorite fighters and I have gained a lot of respect for Penn...not to mention these 2 deserve the shot.

I'll be putting my remaining points I have left on Joe Daddy on top of the 10k I already have on him.

BlingDogg · 08-09-2007, 12:00 PM

YES!!!

I'm really hoping this happens, as I've always been impressed by Stevenson, and I think he certainly deserves a title shot now. Man, I can't wait to see him against Penn.... the ground battle these two could put on would be amazing. If Stevenson wins, please Dana White, make it happen!

name goes here · 08-09-2007, 12:04 PM

Gah, I hope he doesn't muscle a win. I don't hate him, but he's no bj

lambo84 · 08-09-2007, 01:00 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Mulla

I cant see them having a tournament after what happened with the last LW tourney!

When was the last LW tourney and what exactly happened that made it so bad?

fullonshred · 08-09-2007, 01:10 PM

I would like to see Stevenson vs Penn. For sure. I would be pulling for JD.

Shpongled · 08-09-2007, 01:25 PM

I'm surprised Dana isn't going to make a reality show out of this. Imagine the ratings!

XxGnPxX · 08-09-2007, 01:26 PM

Ive been a fan of Joe ever since he was on TUF...hard worker, good on the ground - Penn n joe would make for an exciting fight, I believe. Hope this happens sherk deserves to get it stripped in my opinion.

Dr.Chicago · 08-09-2007, 01:45 PM

I heard a rumor on some radio show that Penn is gonna go up to 170 again because he's done with Pulver.. If that's true.. There's no reason for me to be excited about him fighting Joe Daddy.. And that's why i wanna see a tournament.. with or without Penn is gonna be cool for me!

MillerLite · 08-10-2007, 02:42 AM

Joe Stevenson has great submissions, but nothing to offer on the feet. Against fighters who knows enough not to leave an arm or leg out to be submitted, or fight wreckless to jump in a GLT, Stevenson will be out of his fight game. He is a hard worker, good fighter, good guy, but I do not see him winning an UFC belt any time in his carreer. But he will make a solid top ten, and make mma a good carreer for himself.

Mulla · 08-10-2007, 07:16 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by lambo84

When was the last LW tourney and what exactly happened that made it so bad?

It was a 4-man tournament back in '02 (after Jens vacated the title) with BJ Penn, Matt Serra, Caol Uno and Din Thomas. BJ and Uno made it to the finals and then fought to a decision......and it was a draw lol.

CounterPuncher · 08-10-2007, 09:05 AM

I really like both of these fighters, so I don't know who I would want to win, I think that Penn would have the advantage though.

Dr.Chicago · 08-10-2007, 09:10 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Mulla

It was a 4-man tournament back in '02 (after Jens vacated the title) with BJ Penn, Matt Serra, Caol Uno and Din Thomas. BJ and Uno made it to the finals and then fought to a decision......and it was a draw lol.

So what?? Why does that make Dana White not want to do it again? This time may be much better!!

Mulla · 08-10-2007, 09:31 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Dr.Chicago

So what?? Why does that make Dana White not want to do it again? This time may be much better!!

I dont know mate, its not my call lol. Id love to see a tournament in the UFC but Dana's always said in interviews that he wouldnt do it again.

Dr.Chicago · 08-10-2007, 09:37 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Mulla

I dont know mate, its not my call lol. Id love to see a tournament in the UFC but Dana's always said in interviews that he wouldnt do it again.

I say let FF moderators take over the UFC and their stupid decision-making people..

lambo84 · 08-10-2007, 09:38 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Mulla

It was a 4-man tournament back in '02 (after Jens vacated the title) with BJ Penn, Matt Serra, Caol Uno and Din Thomas. BJ and Uno made it to the finals and then fought to a decision......and it was a draw lol.

ha they fought to a draw... but honestly, what are the chances of that happening again? Still pretty funny though.

KungFuGrip · 08-10-2007, 09:51 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Mulla

It was a 4-man tournament back in '02 (after Jens vacated the title) with BJ Penn, Matt Serra, Caol Uno and Din Thomas. BJ and Uno made it to the finals and then fought to a decision......and it was a draw lol.

That one the funniest things I heard of in a while. Did they Share the belt lol?